The art on Magic cards tends to be really good. It’s so good that it’s one of the reasons that many players like the game so much. Some players, however, like to get their cards altered. This means that they, or someone else, have somehow changed how the card looks. A common question that judges receive about altered cards is whether or not they are allowed in sanctioned magic tournaments. This question can be difficult to answer, because while there are some guidelines about what is and isn’t allowed, no two altered cards are exactly the same, and no single set of guidelines can cover all of the possible ways to alter a card (Well, maybe they could, but then we’d have a set of comprehensive rules to remember just for alters, and that would be too much to expect players or judges to remember).

Section 3.3 of the Magic Tournament Rules (MTR) has this to say about altered cards:

Artistic modifications are acceptable in sanctioned tournaments, provided that the modifications do not make the card art unrecognizable, contain substantial strategic advice, or contain offensive images. Artistic modifications also may not obstruct or change the mana cost or name of the card.The Head Judge is the final authority on acceptable cards for a tournament.

These rules are pretty straightforward, but not all-inclusive. A good way to check whether or not the card art is recognizable is to get the attention of a judge or player who is far enough away that they can’t see the text and ask, ʺcan you tell what card this is?ʺ If they can immediately tell you what it is, then the art is probably recognizable. After that, make sure that the name and mana cost are clearly visible on the card. If they are visible, and the art is recognizable and isn’t offensive, then the art is ok.

One more thing that players often don’t think about with altered cards is whether or not the alter makes the card marked. Many altered cards are modified with paint. It looks cool, but can make the card thicker than the rest of the cards in their deck, or give it a texture that can be felt through a sleeve. If you could tell the card apart from the rest of the deck while shuffling, then that card is marked, and cannot be played. One way to avoid this is to double-sleeve all of the cards in your deck to minimize any differences.

As a final note, the Head Judge of an event is the final authority on altered cards, so it’s best to check with the Head Judge of any event before you start playing in it. That way, he or she can tell you whether the card is OK for that event, and you can be sure not run into problems later. Also, it’s not unheard of for one judge to OK an altered card for a tournament, but the judge of another tournament to disallow that same card. Always carry around an unaltered version of any card you plan to play, just in case.

Today’s Tournament Tip written by
Jess Dunks, Level 2 judge from Fairfield, CA